5- Times I wanted to pull my son to safety as he embraced his inner monkey – on an appropriate apparatus for a change (which I have to admit, was awesome).

I only wished foam surrounded this because one fall would've hurt really bad.

My inner helicopter mommy was terrfied when my son reached the top.

Because look at the size of that thing! That is a long way to fall, with painful ropes on the way down.

7- Dollars spent riding a tiny train: $2 for Lil Diva and a $5 wrist band for unlimited rides for The Tackler – who only rode twice at first. He loved ringing the bell up front.

CG was a bit a cramped, but the kids loved this.

The Tackler plugs his ears for the whistle while Lil Diva kicks back with CG two cars back.

4 – Dollars spent on ice cold beverages at inflated prices.

1 – Bouncy castle turned off while The Tackler was still in it (a toddler one, so he wasn’t in any danger) – he was a bit hard of hearing “Time to get out!”

45- Minutes spent with just The Tackler as we returned to the train while Lil Diva hung out with Bobbi and CG who staked a spot for the concert.

It was bedtime, but I'm told Lil Diva was showcasing all of her talents and crazy happy.

5 – Times he rode in a row, getting full use out of the wrist band.

1 – Buddy made who rode next to him in the train for three of the times.

1 – Glow stick purchased for him because he’d done an excellent job of staying close and holding hands when directed (minus the bouncy house issue). Plus, it was pitch black – a sight he hadn’t seen for months thanks to summer light.

1 – End of a Jedi/Sith battle witnessed on a basketball court as Duel of the Fates blared on the speakers.

8 – Bodies strewn on the ground when it finished: Anakin won.

6- Types of fruits and vegetables packed in our cooler: only tiny bites left by the end.

The fruit (pineapple, grapes, blueberries, watermelon, and strawberries) was a perfect snack, along with the carrots. I just had to fight the Tackler for the strawberries because they were amazing.

1 – Minute left before Arc Attack started as The Tackler and I located CG, Bobbi, and Lil Diva – who had spent this time charming her onlookers and talking on the phone (I’m awaiting details as I was not there). It was 9:30 PM, ninety minutes past bedtime.

2 – Giant Tesla Coils were onstage and played by the band.500,000 – Volts supposedly arcing through them.

2- Very thrilled children loved the show – a welcome reprieve as The Tackler hates loud fireworks.

It's hard to see who is loving it more, CG or the kids (The Tackler loved his first glow stick too).

20 – Minutes I vanished to stand behind the stage and grab video on my iPod of the show. Here is a clip of one song:

2 – Number of guys who wore a suit onstage and had the “lightning” hit them.

2 – Children who DID NOT fall asleep during the show. Lil Diva loved applauding.

1 – Very big “What the frak” moment… Almost.

1 – Exhausted Tackler could barely walk to the car.

1 – Child passed out on the way home (Lil Diva). Luckily, we changed them into their PJs before we left.

1 – Shocked mommy who couldn’t believe she actually got to see Arc Attack because her children behaved and didn’t meltdown once the entire four hours we were at the carnival.

364- Days before I’m likely to break routine and let them stay up 3.5 hours past their bedtimes…

It was hot, dry, and dusty - but still a great time.

Our July 4th family photo: you can just see The Tackler ahead in the red shirt, positioned by my neck...

0 – Mosquito bites even without bug spray! Either they treated for them heavily in Cedar Park (they’re ravenous at my house), or they got the memo about the largest bug zapper as the main attraction.

1 – First year blogoversary post I had to write while half dead from a very full day.

0 – Number of times I heard a single crack or pop of a firework.

I admit it – I loved the burn ban this year for the 4th. No fireworks waking up my children, the ability to see an awesome show without The Tackler freaking out..

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

About Kelly K @ Dances with Chaos

Kelly K has learned the five steps to surviving of motherhood:
1) Don't get mad. Grab your camera. 2) Take a photograph. 3) Blog about it. 4) Laugh. 5) Repeat.
She shares these tales at Dances with Chaos in order to preserve what tiny amount of sanity remains.
You can also find her on her sister blog, Writing with Chaos (www.writingwithchaos.com) sharing memoir and engaging in her true love: fiction writing.
It's cheaper than therapy.